Highlights of Scotland by Rail

8 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Enjoy views of the picturesque Scottish countryside as you ride the Scottish rail from destination to destination!  You'll stay in three of Scotland's most famous and vibrant cities, and have access to unique tours in each.  You'll start in the hilly capital Edinburgh, where medieval alleyways and ancient volcanoes await! Included in your vacation is the 48-...

Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Highlights

    • Want to stay longer? You can extend this trip up to a total of 11 days!
    • Royal Edinburgh Ticket
    • The Complete Loch Ness Experience (ASA)
    • Glasgow City Sightseeing Hop-on/Hop-off Bus Tour - (24 hrs)

What's this trip about?

    Enjoy views of the picturesque Scottish countryside as you ride the Scottish rail from destination to destination!  You'll stay in three of Scotland's most famous and vibrant cities, and have access to unique tours in each.  You'll start in the hilly capital Edinburgh, where medieval alleyways and ancient volcanoes await! Included in your vacation is the 48-hour Royal Edinburgh Ticket, which gives you access to four different tourist bus routes as well as fast-track access to three of Edinburgh's most popular attractions - Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Royal Yacht Britannia. After a scenic rail ride, you'll arrive in Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands. Here you'll find breathtaking churches and cathedrals, lush forests with magnificent views, and even a Victorian market! You'll also be treated to a unique tour of the mysterious Loch Ness and surrounding areas. One more train ride and you'll arrive at your final destination: the vibrant city of Glasgow! Here you'll find an overabundance of cultural highlights from museums to national theaters.

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Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeIndependent
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportRound trip airfare and all internal transport included
Start CityEdinburgh
End CityScotland

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Relaxing Retreats
  • Train & Rail Journeys

Destinations

  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • Scotland

Attractions

  • Edinburgh
  • Glasgow
  • Inverness

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • History
  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion
  • Relaxing Retreat
  • River cruise
  • Ruins & Archaeology
  • Trains & Rail

Trip includes

    • Round-trip economy class airfare into Edinburgh (EDI), out of Glasgow (GLA)
    • Private round-trip airport transfers
    • 3 nights in Edinburgh at the Market Street Hotel, or similar
    • Royal Edinburgh Ticket, including 3 city tours and admission to Edinburgh Castle
    • Palace of Holyroodhouse
    • Royal Yacht Britannia Standard class rail from Edinburgh to Inverness
    • 2 nights in Inverness at the Best Western Inverness Palace Hotel, or similar
    • The Complete Loch Ness Experience tour
    • Standard class rail from Inverness to Glasgow
    • 2 nights in Glasgow at the Hilton Garden Inn Glasgow City Centre, or similar
    • Glasgow City Sightseeing Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour (24 hrs)
    • Breakfast Daily

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Itinerary

Day 1 Welcome to Edinburgh!

Arrive at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) and enjoy a private airport transfer to your Edinburgh accommodation, the Jurys Inn. The rest of your day can be spent at leisure.

Day 2 Edinburgh

Start taking advantage of your included Royal Edinburgh Ticket! Choose from one of three available sightseeing buses and explore the city on your terms. Hop off at Edinburgh Castle and explore the opulence inside and out. This stunning structure sits atop an an...

Day 3 Edinburgh

Choose another included sightseeing bus tour or two today! Be sure to leave time for exploring the Royal Yacht Brittania, the Queen's former floating residence. 

You may also want to spend some time exploring the city's Georgian-era New Town today. Admire...

Day 4 Edinburgh - Inverness

After a ride on the Scottish rail, arrive in Inverness! Once settled, take a walk along the River Ness over to Inverness Castle for picturesque riverside views. 

Day 5 Inverness

Today, enjoy your special Loch Ness tour! No visit to the Scottish Highlands is complete without a tour of this world-famous landmark, which is overflowing with fascinating myths, turbulent history, and tales of a legendary monster.

Day 6 Inverness - Glasgow

Enjoy one more train ride over to Glasgow, Scotland's cultural capital today. Start your Glasgow adventure off by touring the breathtaking City Chambers, which is actually comprised of more marble than there is in the whole of Italy's Vatican City!

Day 7 Glasgow

Explore the city with help from your included sightseeing bus pass today! From the top deck of the tour bus you will enjoy sweeping views of the beautiful landscapes and exceptional architecture that this city has to offer - from famous art galleries and museum...

Day 8 Depart Scotland

Your Scotland adventure comes to an end today. Enjoy a private transfer from your hotel to the airport in accordance with your departure flight. 

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,544
Price per day$318
Last Updated: 4/15/2024

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Great Value Vacations.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Greatvaluevacations-PK-GC4P-SH-HOSR-EDI

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